01/27/05 — Radford leaving headmaster job at Wayne Country Day

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Radford leaving headmaster job at Wayne Country Day

By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on January 27, 2005 1:59 PM

Eddie Radford, the headmaster at Wayne Country Day School, has told its board of trustees that he will leave the job at the end of the school year.

Beverly York, chairman of the board, said, "He indicated that business opportunities had been presented to him, that he felt like this was the right time to pursue them."

Radford, who has been headmaster since 2003, would not comment on what those opportunities were, saying he remains undecided about what he might do in the future.

The long-time educator had retired as principal of Southern Wayne High School prior to being hired at Wayne Country Day. He said his initial plan is to take a break.

"There's absolutely nothing at all that would make me leave," he said. "This is a great place to be."

Radford said that even after he steps down as headmaster, he will still take an active part in the school where his granddaughter is a student.

"People always ask me to compare public and private school," he said. "Both are entirely different things."

He said he has enjoyed his time at Wayne Country Day and acknowledged the support he has received from parents, faculty and students.

"I'm really pleased with everything that's taking place here," he said.

Mrs. York said a search committee for a replacement had been formed. The group has already begun to look within the community and outside of Wayne County for a suitable candidate, she said.

"We're really encouraged that we will be able to find someone that will be a good fit for our school," she said.

Mrs. York said the board respects Radford's decision and wishes him only the best in the future. Still, she said, there was a sense of regret that he was leaving. Radford is credited with making numerous contributions since his arrival.

"During his two years with Wayne Country Day School, we were able to exceed our student enrollment projections, bring to reality our Tech2Learn program, which integrates technology into the classrooms and curriculum, invigorate our athletic programs, and most importantly, launch the school's 'Plan for Excellence,' which focuses on maintaining the school's legacy of high academic standards," she said. "Mr. Radford has a special bond with each student of our school and will be tremendously missed."